Key facts
- US is promoting American nuclear technology in Armenia and Kazakhstan.
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are a focus of US cooperation.
- Kazakhstan plans to build three large-scale nuclear facilities with Russian and Chinese firms.
- Armenia is considering replacing its aging Metsamor nuclear plant.
The United States is intensifying its efforts to promote American nuclear energy technology in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Security Programs, Shawna J. Wilson, recently met with officials in Armenia and Kazakhstan to discuss advancing US nuclear cooperation. The US and Armenia finalized a nuclear cooperation deal in February, while Kazakhstan signed an agreement in late 2025 for US training assistance in the nuclear sector. Discussions have centered on the construction and safe operation of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).